March is here, we’ve been treated to a mild winter which was wildly warm at times, and spring is now peeking over the horizon.
March’s unpredictable weather means there’ll no doubt still be the odd day of slushy snow and a bite in the air, but things are on the up!
There’s so much going on in Chicago, from unique dining experiences and spellbinding concerts to an array of extraordinary exhibitions.
So, without further ado, here are our top events and things to do in Chicago in March!
1. Head to a St. Patrick’s Day event or bar crawl
Of course, of all March’s events and activities, the one event that dominates the headlines is the city’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
With a historically large Irish population in our diverse and wonderful city, it’s no surprise Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans are internationally renowned.
This year, the River Dyeing, which dates back to 1962, will occur on Saturday, March 16th. Starting at 10:00 am, the Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130 will again turn the river emerald green using a vegetable-based and environmentally friendly dye.
For the very best views, head to the east side of the Michigan Avenue bridge or the west side of the Columbus Drive bridge. Alternatively, anywhere on the riverwalk between State Street and Columbus Drive also offers a great view of the dyed river.
Read more about Chicago’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
2. Attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade
After the river dyeing has commenced, the weekend is all about the parades and marches that take place across Chicago. This is one of the best things to do in Chicago in March if you’re looking to embrace the jubilance of St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.
This year the city of Chicago will host its annual official St. Patrick’s Day parade from around 12:30 pm on Saturday, March 16. The parade will follow its usual route up Columbus Drive starting at Balbo Drive around 12:30 and finishing at Monroe Street.
The historic South Side Irish parades will set off from 103rd Street and proceed south along Western Avenue to 115th Street while the Northwest Side Irish Parade will set off from William J. Onahan School, 6634 W. Raven St and proceed along N. Neola Avenue to N. Northwest Highway to Harlem Avenue.
More information can be found at chicagostpatricksdayparade.org.
3. Check out Chicago’s most over-the-top St. Patrick’s Day pop-up bar
If you’re a fan of pop-ups, particularly when they go all the way with decor and themed food and drinks, we’ve got the place for you. You’re guaranteed to find all of that and more at Wrigleyville’s Charm (aka The Magical Irish Pop-Up), where an enchanting, multi-level, over-the-top experience offers one of the best things to do in Chicago in March.
Guests can expect a spectacular explosion of Irish decor as well as photo-ops and an equally impressive array of extraordinary themed drinks and snacks that make up a sublime St. Patrick’s Day menu.
Read more about the Charm’d Bar.
4. Marvel at the magical spring Chicagohenge spectacle
Later on in the month another astounding spectacle to rival that of the Green River takes place treating Chicago to a wonderful collaboration between the magic of nature and Chicago’s glorious architecture dubbed Chicagohenge.
Because Chicago was built on a grid system with streets lining up near perfectly on compass north to south and east to west, the sun lines up directly with Chicago’s east-west facing streets on the spring and fall equinoxes beaming down the heart of the city.
Find out more about where and when to best experience this spring’s Chicagohenge.
5. Attend an intimate theatrical experience showcasing the art of card cheating
The Unfair Advantage, a theatrical experience in the world of card cheating, takes you for a ride into the art of deception with sleight-of-hand expert Harry Milas. Suitable for ages 12 and up, you’ll explore his techniques, and be intrigued by the illusion of it all when this experience comes to Chicago for a limited time at Steppenwolf Theatre’s Merle Reskin Garage Space, from March 26 – April 21, 2024! Grab tickets here!
6. Ride Chicago’s brand-new ‘FlyOver’ experience
For those who may have missed it, a thrilling new ride is coming to Navy Pier debuting on the first day of March.
The exciting 48,000 square-foot FlyOver experience will suspend riders above the city’s incredible skyline courtesy of a massive 65-foot spherical screen that surrounds riders and flight motion seats taking them soaring from location to location.
Incorporating leading drone technologies along with impressive aerial shots and first person-narratives, ‘FlyOver’ is an immersive attraction
that “transports guests to the planet’s most epic places through exhilarating flying journeys”.
Read more about the immersive ‘FlyOver’ experience.
7. Ring in spring with colorful chaos at Navy Pier’s free Holi festival
Having just opened its exciting new ‘FlyOver’ attraction on the first day of the month, later this March Navy Pier has another reason to head down only this time in the form of a free Holi festival celebration.
There are very few festivals around the world that provide such an extraordinarily prismatic display as the Hindu Holi festival aka the festival of color. Though in India it marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, many around the world today enjoy it for the merrymaking it entails and the vibrant spectacle it provides in the aftermath. Because who doesn’t love chucking powders at their chums and coming out covered head to toe in an amalgamation of colors?
This year Chicagoans will again have the opportunity to cake their friends in color down at Navy Pier for the city’s returning Holi festival celebration. The free event will kick off in Navy Pier’s Beer Garden at 1 pm on Saturday, March 23 giving Midwesterners the chance to enjoy the festival’s explosion of bright colors at an iconic Chicago location.
Read more about Navy Pier’s Holi festival.
8. Sip and Paint fluro colors at the ‘Neon Brush’ experience
Having challenged thousands in cities around the world to paint outside the box (and paint in the dark), Neon Brush is officially on its way to Chicago. The one-of-a-kind art experience inspires you to get creative and brush up on your painting skills, but it’s way more than your typical art workshop. Using fluorescent neon paints that illuminate under UV lights, you’ll paint to your own tune as you create your dazzling masterpiece.
Taking place at Artifact Events, these fun-filled masterclasses are the perfect way to unwind after work or feed innovation on the weekend and discover where your creative flare can take you.
Grab tickets and enjoy an exciting art adventure in Chicago this March.
9. Make a Mickey Mouse-inspired headband at this magical Disney exhibit in Chicago this month
Explore Chicago’s enchanting Disney100: The Exhibition, featuring over 250 artifacts, memorabilia, and costumes from the Walt Disney Archives. Discover the ‘Crown Jewels’ of Disney history and indulge in new experiences like crafting iconic Mickey Mouse-inspired headbands, playing board games, and savoring ‘Magic Hour’ cocktails.
Snag tickets before this exhibition leaves for good!
10. Cruise down the Chicago River in a hot tub boat
Last month a new unforgettable winter activity was been added to the mix courtesy of The Chicago Electric Boat Company.
For over a decade, The Chicago Electric Boat Company has offered a unique, environmentally friendly way to see the city of Chicago thanks to their fleet of rentable 100% electric boats but now a winter addition will join the the Chicago Electric Boat Company fleet, this time in the form of Hot Tub Boat Cruises.
Yes, you read that correctly. Launching out of the docks at Marina City, the new zero-emissions vessels will take up to six people at a time floating along the main branch of the Chicago River in a boat equipped with a fully functioning hot tub.
Read more about the new hot tub boats.
11. Sail into the past at this fascinating Titanic exhibit
Without wanting to jynx any Chicago hot tub trips, a new Titanic exhibition has docked in Skokie for a limited time, offering guests the chance to learn more about this iconic vessel’s moving story.
Titanic: The Exhibition goes deep into the history of the world’s most famous ship. With over 300 real artifacts, a virtual reality experience, and recreations of parts of the Titanic, you can explore everything about the vessel’s inspiring creation, tragic voyage, and stunning recovery.
12. Sing your favorite tunes at this Taylor Swift-inspired ‘Swift Serenades’ karaoke pop-up in Chicago!
Belt out your favorite T-Swift tunes, write your own “Dear John” letter to an ex, and sip on drinks inspired by Lavender Haze & Champagne Problems! Swing by this full-of-fun karaoke cocktail bar event series from March 1st to the 31st to belt out your favorite Taylor Swift hits from the Lavender Haze, Champagne Problems, and Bad Blood albums while sipping on cocktails inspired by them too!
Get your tickets now before they sell out!
13. See Steve McCurry at the ICONS Exhibition in Chicago
It’s your final opportunity to see Steve McCurry’s ICONS exhibition before it departs Chicago on March 31st. Witness over 100 iconic photographs, including the renowned Afghan Girl, famously featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985. Don’t miss it!
14. Dive deep beneath the waves at Field Museum’s new interactive ‘Unseen Oceans’ exhibition
Another exciting new exhibition will launch this month at Chicago’s Field Museum, taking guests to “a whole world hidden beneath the waves of the ocean.”
Opening on Friday, March 15th, “Unseen Oceans” will invite visitors to marvel at life-sized projections of bizarre and bewildering deep sea creatures very rarely seen by the human eye.
From exploring an immersive underwater cavern to jumping inside an interactive deep-sea submersible and piloting through the depths alongside ocean creatures, guests can experience the unworldly realms of the ocean’s darkest corners from the comfort of inside the Field Museum’s walls.
Read more about the Field Museum’s Unseen Oceans exhibit.
15. Enjoy free admission to the Field Museum on a Wednesday
Talking of the Field Museum, at the start of the year the museum announced a new regular free admission day for the rest of the year.
For a long time, the most popular museums and attractions in Chicago have announced random free days throughout the year, especially during the months that are calmer for Chicago’s tourism industry.
This year, however, the Field Museum is doing it a little differently. The iconic museum has announced that it will instead offer locals the chance to see some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wonders every Wednesday of 2024, for absolutely zero cost.
Read more about Field Museum’s free Wednesdays.
16. Spend an evening at Shedd Aquarium for free
Another place that has recently announced a schedule of free admission slots is none other than Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.
Following in Field Museum’s footsteps, the beloved aquarium has announced that it will offer free entry every Tuesday evening from the beginning of March through to July.
Beginning Tuesday, March 5th, Illinois Residents can enter the beloved aquarium from 5 p.m. through to 9 p.m.
Read more about free Tuesday evenings at the Shedd Aquarium.
17. Check out the Museum of Science and Industry’s new James Bond exhibit
Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, which holds the title of the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest science museums in the world, is also launching a brand new exhibition this March.
Titled 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond, the new exhibit spotlights the world of none other than history’s most famous fictional spy.
When it opens on Thursday, March 7th, 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond will be the first-ever official exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running movie franchise.
Read more about the 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond exhibit.
18. Attend the Brewsology Beer Festival at the Museum of Science and Industry
Talking of the Museum of Science and Industry, this March 2nd The Brewsology Beer Fest returns offering a fusion of the nostalgic excitement of a middle school field trip and an adult after-hours beer-fueled spin.
With ample beer samples, this event, which goes from 6 pm to 11 pm, is one of the best things to do in Chicago in March. Guests can explore exhibits with an inventive brew in hand that you have likely never tried before.
Read more about The Brewsology Beer Fest.
19. Taste test wine at Uncorked: Chicago Wine Fest
Yet another MSI experience involving booze will take place one week later on Saturday March 9th from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Guests can enjoy over 150 wines & bubblies from across the globe as well as some “outside the bottle” beverages (like seltzers, canned cocktails and spirits).
There will also be a DJ spinning tunes and food vendors at the exclusive after-hours event at the iconic museum.
Learn more about Uncorked: Chicago Wine Fest.
20. Embrace the new season at Lincoln Park Conservatory’s spring flower show
Lincoln Park Conservatory, one of Chicago’s oldest public gardens, has now kicked off this year’s Spring Flower Show indicating that the arrival of significantly longer days, warmer weather, and blossoming flowers in the not-too-distant future.
‘Sweet Gnome Chicago’ features nearly 300 gnomes of varying sizes and materials that have taken up residence in all of the Lincoln Park Conservatory display houses “with particular focus on the Show House”.
Vignettes of the whimsical creatures are set amongst vibrant and gorgeous spring flowering shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs including Foxy Foxtrot Tulips, Garden Party Lilies, Blueberry Thrill Violas, and hundreds of other blooming beauties.
Read more about Lincoln Park Conservatory’s ‘Sweet Gnome Chicago’.
21-26. Be captivated by a Candlelight Concert
Candlelight concerts offer another incredible spectacle that can be enjoyed this month. Step into Chicago’s most exquisite spaces to experience some unforgettable performances. The beloved Candlelight series has organized an array of talented musicians performing at the city’s best venues illuminated with hundreds of candles, and extra dates have been added due to popular demand.
Here are some of our favorite Candlelight concerts taking place this month:
- Candlelight: The Best of Amy Winehouse at Oak Park Arts Center on March 9
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Gorillaz & Blur at Chopin Theatre on March 15
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Juan Gabriel at Salvage One on March 16
- Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi at Music Box Theatre on March 20
- Candlelight: The Best of Bollywood on Strings at Wicker Park Lutheran Church on March 23
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Bad Bunny at Theater on the Lake on March 28
See the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago.
In fact, if you’re struggling to think of a present for someone, you can do far worse than a ticket to an exclusive concert illuminated with thousands of candles.
Candlelight gift cards are valid for any Candlelight concert, making them a unique and exciting gift for friends or family!
27. Send your senses soaring with a Dining in the Dark experience
Engage your taste buds at a unique night out as you indulge in a delicious three-course meal at the exclusive ‘Dining in The Dark’ dinner parties.
Take your date night to the next level or enjoy a surreal experience with friends, tempting your senses with dark surroundings to focus on more important things like the exquisite food and wine pairing you’re about to have at Hubbard Inn.
Diners can choose vegan, seafood, or red meat options, enjoying a starter, main entree, and dessert.
Grab tickets to a Dining in the Dark experience.
28. Dine at the country’s most romantic restaurant
There is certainly no shortage of romantic restaurants in Chicago for couples looking to enjoy a special night out together.
One specific place, however, can now claim a certain romantic distinction after Yelp recently ranked Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar in Logan Square as not just the most romantic restaurant in Chicago but rather the most romantic in the United States.
The Latin-inspired steakhouse was one of 4 Chicago joints to make the annual list of the “top 100 most romantic restaurants in the country.”
Read more about the Chicago restaurants to make the list.
29. Eat at the best pizza spot in the United States
Following on from Chicago’s Penumbra taking the top spot in Yelp’s ranking of the 100 most romantic restaurants in the country recently, Yelp has now released its list of the country’s best pizza spots once again crowning a Chicago favorite at the very top.
While just a few months ago it was Ravenswood’s Spacca Napoli Pizzeria that was voted one of the 100 best pizzerias in the world for its Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas, this time around it is the famed deep-dish pizza spot Pequod’s Pizza which tops the list.
The long-time favorite Lincoln Park pizza pie shop, which first opened its original Morton Grove location in 1971, was joined on Yelp’s 2024 Top Pizza Spots rankings by 5 other lauded Chicago pizzerias.
Read more about the best pizzeria in Chicago according to Yelp experts.
30. Grab a cuppa at one of the best coffee shops in the country
In addition to mastering some of the world’s most beloved foods, Chicago knows a thing or two about knocking together a good drink, and there are few more popular than a solid cup of coffee.
In a world in which independent coffee shops have never been so popular, the competition has never been so intense, with trendy new artisanal coffee shops seemingly taking over cities in the country.
Which is why it makes it all the more impressive that a Chicago spot was named the best independent coffee shop in the country according to USA Today’s Best Independent Coffee Shop (2023) list.
Read more about the list of the best coffee shops in the US.
31. Go treasure hunting at an iconic antique emporium
Architectural Artifacts owner Stuart Grannen, who is incidentally also the nation’s leading treasurologist, announced in February that the expansive antique emporium will close its doors on Monday, April 15th bringing a 37-year Chicago legacy to an end.
Though it will be sadly closing in April that means there is still the whole of March to go and check out all the trinkets and treasure at Antique Artifacts before it moves across the country!
Read more about Architectural Artifacts.
32. Immerse yourself in The Art of the Future at Holographic Art Gallery
Another incredible March activity can be found down at Navy Pier. Verse: The Art of the Future fuses art and technology allowing guests to step right into the metaverse in a digital art exhibition featuring augmented reality holograms and artwork by top-selling artists from the burgeoning world of NFTs.
With the help of an AR headset, smartphone, or tablet, each guest will experience their own reality in the same activation area (like a silent disco for holograms!). Verse provides an introduction to the people, technology, and stories that are shaping this disruptive evolution of the art world.
Get your tickets for Verse: The Art of the Future in Chicago.
42. Buckel up for a Drunk Shakespeare show
Another brilliant Chicago experience comes in the form of a live Drunk Shakespeare show.
On a stage in a hidden speakeasy behind the Chicago Theater, guests will find a glam cocktail bar and library with over 10,000 books. Five classically-trained actors meet as members of “The Drunk Shakespeare Society.” One of them has had at least five shots of a strong spirit, and then they (quite over-confidently) attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play!
Hilarity and mayhem ensue while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track. Every show is different depending on who is drinking… and what they’re drinking!
Grab tickets to a Drunk Shakespeare show.
43. Chuckle away at Chicago comedy show
If you’re looking for more laughs, there’s no place better for that than at a Chicago comedy show. Famous for its production of funny guys and girls, Chicago has some of the best places to see a comedy show in the country.
At Laugh Factory Chicago, some of today’s biggest names and local comedians are delivering something for every taste and style throughout the year.
Grab tickets to a show at Laugh Factory Chicago.
44. Check out the new Ramova Theatre
Chicago is home to an array of unique movie theaters and while it is with a heavy heart we occasionally see some bite the dust, such as Rogers Park’s New 400 Theaters earlier this year, it is with reciprocal relief that we others live to see another day.
On the last day of 2023, Ramove Theatre in Bridgeport — one of Chicago’s long-standing vintage movie theaters — was reborn offering a multi-faceted revamped, and reimagined entertainment venue.
The landmark theater at 3520 South Halsted Street is now a live music venue complete with a brewery, beer garden, and grill in partnership with Other Half Brewing.
Read more about the reborn Ramova Theatre.
45. Kick back in an AMC movie theatre
The Grammies and Oscars are fast approaching and award season is kicking off with so many fantastic movies of all kinds from across the planet highlighted. There are so many to see at the moment and there’s no place better to experience them than at AMC Theatres®.
Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a special date night, all the best critically acclaimed creations, comedies, action flicks, and everything in between can be enjoyed at a discount in Chicago, and nationally, with an AMC black ticket.
Grab discounted tickets to a movie showing.
46. Gaze at the stars at the Adler Planetarium for free
If you’re the type that likes to kick back and enjoy spectacles be they on the big screen or in a big open sky, Chicago’s Adler Planetarium is always worth a visit and makes for a great March activity while the skies are still dark relatively early.
Illinois residents can enter for free every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm provided they bring proof of residency and enjoy access to the largest public telescope in the Midwest as well as a range of exciting astronomy events and activities.
The Adler Planetarium is currently offering a new Afrofuturistic multiverse experience in its Grainger Sky Theater titled Niyah and the Multiverse.
Perfect for those with kids, it takes guests on a visually stunning journey as a curious Chicago pre-teen travels through the multiverse.
More information and tickets can be found at adlerplanetarium.org.
47. Try an indoor skydiving experience
If you’re the outdoorsy type who likes a thrill, you might be interested in testing your skydiving skills in one of Chicago’s state-of-the-art indoor skydiving centers. One of the best things you can do in Chicago this month is head to iFly Indoor Skydiving Center in Lincoln Park or iFly Indoor Skydiving Center in Rosemont..
Kids and adults can experience the same sensation you’d get 12,000 feet up in the sky. If you feel you have what it takes, you can test your vertigo above Chicago’s iconic skyline at Skydive Chicago, one of the world’s largest skydiving resorts.
Read more about the indoor skydiving experience.
48. Warm-up and revitalize at Chicago’s most unique spas
With the turn of the year following the chaos of Christmas, there’s never been a better time to relax and reset. Add to that Chicago’s unforgiving frostiness, and you’ve got to consider your well-being during these hostile months. Luckily, Chicago is full of answers to combat the Christmas chaos and the numbing chill that settles into your bones.
There is simply no better place in Chicago for some rest than AIRE’s Ancient Baths located inside a restored historic River West factory. Inspired by the traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathing experience, this preserved structure has been restored to its original splendor. You can now find optimum relaxation within the building’s exposed brick, wooden beams, and industrial columns.
There are, however, an array of idyllic spas and bathhouses in Chicago all offering medicine for mind, body, and soul.
Ok, we know this one isn’t strictly in Chicago but with so much going on in the city, it can be nice to escape to the quiet of Illinois’ natural beauty.
Though our state may not boast wonders with the universal magnitude of the Grand Canyon nor the grandiose reputation of Niagra Falls, Illinois is teeming with diverse ecological landscapes that transform into incredible winter wonderlands this time of the year.
From monolithic marvels covered in snow to cascading waterfalls frozen in time, we’ve selected seven natural wonders of Illinois that you can visit while they’re a different beast in winter.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]